KEY STEPS

Compendium on methods and tools to evaluate impacts of, and vulnerability and adaptation to, climate
change

CM Box

Description

A national turn-key crop monitoring system, the CM Box is a training package for FAO crop
monitoring and forecasting software. Interested countries receive a combination of training,
hardware and software customized for local use, as well as the real-time data required to operate
the system in-country.

The CM Box is fed in real time with weather, satellite and crop information and generates a set of
indicators that are relevant for food security. The training covers the operation of a national
crop yield monitoring and forecasting system in a food security context, in particular the
interpretation of the maps and other outputs produced by the various tools.

Appropriate Use

It strengthens the capacity of national experts to analyze weather data and to assess their current
and future impact on crop production and food security. CM Box consists of individual modules which
countries can select.

Scope

Global, agricultural sector.

Key Output

Output of the software tools: indicators related to food security as text, maps and tables by
provinces or districts.

Output of the training: Trainees can prepare crop and weather reports for the national food
security system. Trainees are capable of operating the software independently, including the input
of crop and weather data and the integration of ground and satellite information.

Key Input

National datasets prepared by the trainees before the training.

Ease of Use

Relatively easy to use for qualified experts with appropriate background.